{"id":1257,"date":"2023-08-19T16:33:51","date_gmt":"2023-08-19T15:33:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southdevoncouplestherapy.com\/?p=1257"},"modified":"2023-08-19T16:57:11","modified_gmt":"2023-08-19T15:57:11","slug":"how-to-navigate-retirement-together","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southdevoncouplestherapy.com\/how-to-navigate-retirement-together\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Navigate Retirement Together"},"content":{"rendered":"
As a couples therapist, I’ve seen partners wrestle with all sorts of challenges, and one of the biggest is retirement. You might think:<\/p>\n
“Retirement? That’s the dream! Why would that be a problem?” <\/em><\/p>\n Well, it’s a significant life change, and like any change, it can create unexpected friction. <\/p>\n Let’s dive in. Picture this: you and your partner, finally free from the daily grind, ready to embark on a well-deserved, endless vacation. Sounds ideal, doesn’t it? <\/p>\n But then reality sinks in. <\/p>\n That means you’re together all day, every day, no longer structured by those 9 to 5 schedules. And that can feel a bit, well…<\/p>\n \u2026Crowded. <\/p>\n Is this ringing a bell? Does it feel too close to home? It’s okay. I’m here to guide you through this. It doesn’t have to be a tug of war.<\/p>\n Retirement is like a dance – you have to find your rhythm together. And if you’ve been stepping on each other’s toes a little bit, don’t worry, it’s natural. According to a 2019 study by the Institute for Family Studies, nearly 60% of couples reported significant tension in the first two years of retirement. <\/p>\n But the good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way.<\/p>\n Here’s a few practical steps to navigate retirement together:<\/p>\n Notice how these steps centre around communication, mutual respect, and individuality within togetherness? That’s because these are the pillars of any strong relationship, retirement or not. <\/p>\n And yes\u2026<\/p>\n \u2026You\u2019re right.<\/p>\n The truth is, this is easier said than done. It can be tough to start these conversations, break established routines, and redefine the patterns you’ve built over decades. Remember, it’s a process, not an event. Patience is the name of the game.<\/p>\n Now, I’ve given you some food for thought. What will you do with it? Will you talk to your partner tonight, to discuss your retirement dreams? Or perhaps, carve out an hour tomorrow for some alone time?<\/p>\n
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